BC has once again set a new single-day record for recorded COVID-19 cases.
On Thursday, health officials announced 165 new cases, breaking the record of 139 set a week earlier.
Dr. Bonnie Henry also reported one new COVID-19 related death, a senior living in long term care in the Fraser Valley.
While case numbers continue to surge upwards, hospitalizations have started to decrease.
There are now 57 patients hospitalized with the virus, down from 60 on Wednesday, 22 of whom are in intensive or critical care.
Health minister Adrian Dix reported that over 7,500 COVID-19 tests were administered on Wednesday, the most ever for a single day.
Henry also announced that the province has developed a new test for Kindergarten to Grade 12 students which no longer involves a nasal swab.
“This is a new saline gargle … you swish it around a little and then you spit it into a little tube,” said Henry.
“It’s an easier way to collect it for young people.”
The test will be available at COVID-19 assessment centres, and can administered by parents rather than health-care workers.
The new method is also a "made-in-BC" product, meaning the province will not be so reliant on outside sources for testing.
